FOXBORO -- Alfonzo Dennard was in full pads and practicing with his Patriots teammates at Tuesday's training camp practice, meaning he's been activated off the active/PUP list.

After undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, Dennard was not spotted at OTAs or minicamp this spring. When training camp began last week, he was participating in a group of rehabbing players that included Aaron Dobson, Matthew Slater and Dominique Easley.

Dennard did not participate fully in New England's fifth training camp session this summer. He worked in individual drills with defensive backs but went to the sidelines during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work. Regardless of the workload he received, his presence was welcomed by his teammates in the secondary.

"We all know Zo's a good player," safety Duron Harmon said. "I'm just more worried about him being healthy. He's a good player, man. Anytime you get a good player back, it's good."

When Dennard is ready for contact, he'll give the Patriots some solid depth at the cornerback position. Darrelle Revis headlines a talented group that also includes Brandon Browner, Kyle Arrington and Logan Ryan.

While Revis will be locked into one of New England's two starting cornerback roles, the other spot is still up for grabs. Browner will be suspended for the first four games of the season so it will likely come down to Dennard (who started nine games last season) and Ryan (who led the team with five interceptions). Arrington will likely reprise his role as a lockdown defender in the slot.

Phil Perry serves as a general reporter for Comcast SportsNet, mainly covering the New England Patriots. Follow Phil on Twitter here.